USCG Commissions West Coast Intel Unit

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned a new unit at Coast Guard Island called the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Pacific (MIFC PAC) today. MIFC PAC was embedded in a staff element of PACAREA, known as PACAREA Intelligence Division. The commissioning of this independent unit will improve operational effectiveness and will create a consistent organizational structure within the intelligence program as the Coast Guard modernizes.

The mission of MIFC PAC will be to produce predictive all-source national and law enforcement intelligence in general support of Coast Guard operational forces to shape planning, decision making, and mission execution.

Rear Admiral James Watson, Coast Guard Director of Prevention Policy, presents the history of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety program from the American Revolution to today. RDML Watson highlights the creation of the U.S. Maritime Administration and our continued partnership with U.S. mariners.

ASTORIA, Ore. -- This video features Coast Guard Air Station Astoria rescue footage of Morton, Wash. residents Jan. 8, 2009, the second day of the Coast Guard's response to the Pacific Northwest flooding. The hoist camera footage features a man and his dog and a mother and daughter being airlifted to safety. (Official Coast Guard video for release)